A TEENAGER was dragged down an alleyway and brutally raped after being pounced on as she walked home from a night out.

Police today said the 18-year-old victim was severely traumatised after the terrifying attack by a man smelling of sweat and stale cigarettes, as she made her way home from Burnley town centre in the early hours of Saturday.

The officer leading police inquires, Detective Inspector Dave Lea said: "It was a harrowing and terrifying ordeal. The victim has been extremely traumatised and will require a great deal of counselling.''

The attack happened in an alleyway near the Manor Barn pub, off Padiham Road, as the teenager was making her way home alone after a night out.

When she became separated from her friends she decided to take a taxi home.

The driver dropped her off in Padiham Road near Middlesex Avenue at 1.30am.

As she waited for her friend to arrive, she was snatched from the street and forced into the alleyway and put through a prolonged sex ordeal. Mr Lea said: "She was accosted in Middlesex Avenue and taken about 200 yards along a busy main road to the alleyway.

"Someone must have seen them and we are asking anyone who did to come forward.'' Police believe the man may live locally as he had local knowledge.

She then went a friend's home at 2.15am and raised the alarm. Police started house to house inquires and were today carrying out a fingertip search of the alley for clues.

Mr Lea said: "Padiham Road was busy with both vehicles and pedestrians. We want to hear from anyone who may have seen a young woman alone or a man acting suspiciously or a couple of marked different heights."

Police said the attacker was white, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, in his late 20s or early 30s, medium build, with dark hair and stubble. He was wearing dark clothing and black shoes. The victim noticed a strong smell of sweat and stale cigarettes.

Anyone with any information is asked to ring Burnley CID on 01282 425001.

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